Maybe That Will Work?

Dump Find -- What Can I Make?

2012-02-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

I think I will add chain, wire, beads and candles so I can hang these outside on warm spring and summer nights - I found them at the dump today for FREE - I love FREE.

BENJAMIN MOORE Stuart Gold Paint for the FRONT DOOR

2012-02-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

THIS IS NOT MY FRONT DOOR but this is the color I want. I have been wondering what color to paint it for months and I saw this door and this is it.

Somehow a yellow door makes me happy and I need that in my life. Payday I am going to go get a quart and since they are predicting NO SNOW. I will paint my front door. Now I can concentrate on something to decorate the door with – a wreath, an industrial type of something or other I can take apart? Hmm what do I have. I will find something.

Who Gets Enough Of Paper

2012-02-03T21:51:00.003-05:00

Not me for sure. I wanted to try a new way of folding the paper for a wreath and this is what I came up with. I folded the paper like a fan and inserted it in twine that I had wrapped around the wreath form to hold the book paper background. Added a few metal leaves I had and nice on the wall.

I also made a sign to print out and mod podge - the bus signs that I just love. This is my version. I just have the design and not the actual canvas done yet. The font is great - makes it already look weathered.

Use as you like. :)

Recycling Time

2012-02-03T21:36:00.001-05:00

I saw a post the other day and even pinned it to Pininterest.com. It was something I planned to make. A pendant from watch parts. I found an old watch I am guessing from the 40's or 50's that must have been my Grandfather's as it is a man's watch. It is a Cliff watch and I looked it up, but I guess the Cliff Watch Company was not very well known. I removed the case and the Swiss movement inside was lovely. I wanted to dress it up a bit and added some bling with a rhinestone encased in silver and a small dangle chain. Very Steampunk. You can wear it on either side and it looks great. I plan on getting a longer brass chain, but this silver one is all I had tonight. I am quite pleased with the final project - what about you?

Light In The Darkness

2012-02-01T21:18:00.000-05:00

I found this great lantern and a clip on battery operated LED light you slip inside - total cost for both $20. I have a dark corner in my bedroom with no light and no plug believe it or not so this will light the darkness.

Can you imagine a few of these hanging outside in the trees for a party? This is a great website for all your craft supplies. I have purchased from them before and they have very nice things at really low prices. If you are planning a wedding or party - a great place to buy your decorations.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/

I also love all the crystals and LED light branches. This is a yummy place. When I have some money ...

Cups & Saucer Bird Feeders

2012-02-01T15:42:00.002-05:00

I feel soooooo bad today, but I had to post this. I have 2 spindles I picked up months ago at the Habitat for Humanity store and I had no clue what to do with them. Now I have an idea. I found this at Shelterness and pininterest which can become obsessive lol. All I need is the cups and saucers or I can use some old bowls or plates I have --oooo I have some in the attic. Glue and go!

OK here are some more ideas from the site - I could hang out there all day:

Chair caning in an old headboard

I have that bag on the left - nothing else lol.

Anyway, I have a mudroom that needs a TERRIBLE MAKEOVER - at least I have some ideas.

Bye now - I am off to bed.

Old Texas Farmhouse I Want

2012-01-31T13:19:00.000-05:00

This is an old Texas farmhouse with all the bones and in pretty good shape. I can see the potential in the whole house. Listed at $99,900 but probably can pick up for $90,000. If wishes were horses. It needs some work, but has 1/2 acre and 4 beds 2 baths with clawfoot tubs, all original hardware and doors. Even a space for an outdoor studio sale area. OK how can I get this home????

Why do some Texas farmhouses have 2 entrances like this? Does anyone know?

This is called a foreman's entrance. The foreman of the ranch would come and go from here so as not to disturb the family.

Simple - install gas logs here

Outdoor Studio Space

Vanity - easy fix!

Old wood floors and walls in good shape!

Not fond of these steep stairs, but there is the main bedroom on the bottom floor so all upstairs could be is office/library, studio and guest room.

We can dream can't we?

From Dump To Treasure

2012-01-30T18:40:00.002-05:00

That gouge in the table was bugging me since I stained it and had to cover it up with a tray. It worked fine, but I couldn't take the tray off without the gouge bothering me. I wanted to keep the dark wood and did not want to paint it like I do everything since the living room has wood in it and is not cottage style like a lot of the house. So I headed over to Graphic Fairy and grabbed some things to print. I printed them off with an ink jet printer, then sprayed them with a sealer so that the ink would not run. Once they dried I used the trusty Mod Podge and set them out like someone from Paris had just left some papers lying on the table. I let it dry overnight and also I did the same thing to a cigar box I picked up for $3.00 at Goodwill. So far this project cost me nothing since I had all these things. If I were to add it up maybe for both things - $6.00 in supplies. Here are the steps and the final results. I just added a final layer of spar varnish and may follow up with another tomorrow, but I would say WOW. I am IN LOVE with this look and I know if the person who took this table to the dump could see it now they would be kicking themselves.

BEFORE

MOD PODGE

BEFORE STAIN ONLY

BEFORE

SUPPLIES

TURN OVER THE PRINT OUTS

DON'T DO IT LIKE THIS

INSTEAD JUST WIPE ON

I LEARNED MY LESSON

AFTER WITH SPAR VARNISH

AFTER

THE CIGAR BOX

INSIDE

AFTER

AFTER (Not quite finished will add candies or something)

The label is from a French Chocolate on the top and side

Admit these look great right?

If you want your own ephemera you can grab some at the GRAPHICS FAIRY.

Tea Carts, Triplets and Maps

2012-01-29T23:43:00.002-05:00

My Mother happens to have a tea cart and I found this picture I had saved from Red Door Home blog and I knew she needed to paint the one she has. It is ugly now and from the 1970's - PAINT IT!

This would be great to print and frame yes?

And for my Mom's map collection - from Graphic Fairy's blog which I love and a new project I did is coming tomorrow when I finish so I will share the links then - but here are some MAPS to print and frame.

And finally this is a favorite

Windows and Doors and EVERYTHING I GOT FROM THE DUMP and ONE THING I SENT BACK TO THE DUMP - FREE TO A BAD HOME

2012-01-26T21:52:00.004-05:00

So I messed around a bit to see what it would look like in Photoshop and I did it quick but it gives you and idea of what I want to do. In the hall, I have inserted the window and will fill that with wood and trim it out. Then I will use ship lap horizontal on the top portion with a chair rail down the center. The other wall will also have horizontal ship lap as well - just to make it simple. The ceiling will probably have ship lap as well - all painted in a pale shade of ivory. The door at the end of the hall is my guest room. I have 3 other doors off this hall but you can't see them well. The laundry room will be a doorway, but I will hide the room with a half wall as you walk in on the left side since this is an exit to a porch and the yard as well as a guest room on the right.

Ignore the pile that is my stuff I am taking

to the dump on Saturday - I have been sorting out EVERYTHING

SO - The windows will be doors, the hutch on the left will be moved and I have a small glass table going there with a white base and I have black chairs that will have black and white toile seats on them.

This is the final version of the hall with 2 lights and pale ship lap walls and the window will have a small ledge so I can have enough room for a few colored bottles when the sun shines through.

Close up of the window and where I will be filling in and bordering out the window.

The rest of the pictures are of my kitchen where I will be installing clear french doors that will open out onto a new deck that shapes like an L around the left side of the kitchen. Easy to dream when you don't have the money yet yes? Today my hands and body have really been pain-filled so all I can do is imagine. Someday. Give me a few months and I will have everything moving at high speed. Not me - but the house lol.

These are the black and white chairs. I think I got them free at the dump :) as usual!

This is what they looked like and I was testing the fabric in the chair above.

This is the glass table. I am going to paint the base white and it is higher than it looks from this picture. I picked it up at Goodwill for less that $12.00 as I recall.

I got these mirror surrounds for free at the dump too and I swear I am going to incorporate them into my hall wall somehow lol. The last thing I got at the dump was the door a couple weeks ago. It is time for me to pick a new find - the weather has been bad so not much out lately. Over the past 2 years I have really gotten some great things.

DUMP - COST 0

The sink top - DUMP

Pillow Cover - DUMP

Side Table - DUMP

Screen Door - DUMP

Round Table - DUMP

Magazine Rack - DUMP

Wicker Table - DUMP

Small Plate - DUMP

Window - DUMP

Big Mirror - DUMP

SENT TO THE DUMP (Maybe someone will take this item - I don't want it anymore)

Door - DUMP

Windows - DUMP

It is JUST crazy what I have been able to reuse that I got for FREE from the DUMP. I am sorry that the item I am sending to the dump is not worth half as much as I got in return and I doubt it can be recycled. LOL I am laughing as I write this.

Thinking About Doors, Windows, Walls, Silverware

2012-01-25T21:02:00.002-05:00

I saw a lot of things made from old windows and doors. Then I started to notice a lot of blogs were using the same pictures and ideas over and over. I have an idea or two in my head to use all my doors and windows, but I have to figure out how it will work. Meanwhile, I found these over at ANTHROPOLOGIE - love the $8.00 knobs - would work for my hutch and this hook thingee with spoons is $20 and you know you can make this! OK and these chandeliers $1,800! Crazy and doable. Well I was going to show you but you have to head over and see. In the meantime, I am going to do half my kitchen door where the glass part is in blackboard paint and replace the knob and bolt. I like that you can write a note so you won't forget as you go out and then when you come in - something you need to do. Picture the door like this, but only 1/2 :)

Shiplap? Huh? Loving Shiplap

2012-01-21T17:32:00.001-05:00

I have the chest and one suitcase that has real alligator (if it is still in the attic)

so I only need a couple more to get this look. It would work for

any type of storage in a guest room. The old fishing basket, I swear my

Mom has one - if not they are pretty easy to pick up here in New England. I have

a minnow bucket that would work - it's from the 40's or 50's, tin and you can

still read the Old Pal label on it.

You have see the photos of my living room walls and ceiling in previous posts on this blog. It has old grasscloth (no not the good kind) wallpaper and the ceiling has cracks where the previous owner did not run a seal down the join. This is what I intend to do in my living room. I will run the ship lap from left to right and not up and down to give it a look of planking. The ceiling I want to do in old english cottage style with planks on the ceiling dark stained.

Sharing Some Homework - Hood Ornaments and Logos

2012-01-18T18:18:00.001-05:00

Last week it was a book cover and this week it is a logo for a global transportation company. I came up with Global Alliance Worldwide Transportation. I am going to miss this class. It was fun doing something new each week. Next semester starts in a week and a half and I have figure drawing. That will be easy for me - but not as new. These are my logos - thought I would share for fun. I have about a year left and will have my BS in Graphic Design - then I am heading to a BS in Interior Design. Who knows where after that. I took my inspiration from hood ornaments and the planet Saturn. I wanted to share these pics with you. I also LOVE the design of these government buildings - these are from courthouses built during the depression. Do you know why cars no longer have hood ornaments? The GOVERNMENT says they are too dangerous. Go figure.

Never Rains but It POURS

2012-01-18T17:52:00.001-05:00

It was pouring water from the frozen pipes. Prior to that it was a broken furnace and before that it was the whole electric system. I am so TIRED. I actually got a day off from the house and went to the dentist and was able to go to Goodwill and spend a little bit of money on the house. I also did a couple other project last week. Not much as it was too cold and I was hurting really bad. It is now warm in the house with the furnace working and my electric bill was beyond comprehension. But we go on yes? Here are some goodies I got and the house is looking good even though I am feeling worse. We are getting another cold front tonight - freezing rain and who knows what all. I am lucky I have people that are helping me or I would be totally lost. I thank them and they know who they are and I think Loaves and Fishes a wonderful organization. If you have extra to give - they are an organization that gets the money where it needs to go. Check your local church and you can find a listing in your town. They are wonderful people.

You Have NOOOO Idea!

2012-01-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

I have been feeling feverish, so I have been wandering around the decorating blogs and I have to laugh. NOT ONE of these blogs have a house that began like mine. Rooms that look like mine, so much to be fixed on a nothing budget - and yet I try. This one was too funny. Granted it does look better, but take a look at what she had to start with - what it ended up like and then I will show you a picture of what I have to start with in my laundry room. I am not sure whether to laugh - or cry.
http://blissfullyever-after.blogspot.com/2011/09/100-laundry-room-makeover-reveal.html

Love her blog and she has some great ideas, but gee I wish I had something just as good to start with lol! $100 makeover - I should set myself a new challenge - the $100 Laundry Room Makeover in my laundry room - I wonder if I can do it? Hmmm the possibilities. $100 is a lot of money and tomorrow I hit the dump and week after next I will hit Goodwill. I bet I can do it. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MY MAKEOVER! -- I would love to see your LAUNDRY ROOM MAKEOVERS so feel free to post and share :)

One thing I can say - it is a big laundry room lol

It is organized and ready for the re-do

My brand new electric panel that cost a bundle. Rewired the whole system - sigh

I do have all my linens in bags and sorted - that's one good thing right?

Since there is no door, let's close the curtain on this room until later.

$100.00 Re-Do? As long as paint and flooring are not included in the $100.00, I know I can do it. Let's see later. Give me a couple months. I have to finish the kitchen and dining room first and of course, the FLOORS and walls... and buy a new furnace and water pump for the well. Home ownership... what a lovely thing.

What Have You Accomplished For The New Year?

2012-01-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

Book Covers - Created by me and soon the books will be available on Amazon.

I have learned some new things for the New Year - already! Well, after my furnace went out last week, I decided I just had to try and get on with it and while I was waiting for estimates, and working in my class - Graphic History, I came across a fabulous idea. I am now creating books for sale on Amazon and Kindle through createpace.com. Sounds fantastic right? Well, I began with 3 public domain books and created some lovely covers. It does take some time to format the books for print distribution, but it was fun and well worth it. Now, I have two HUGE books I purchased on Ebay years ago containing genealogical information that I have always wanted to transcribe and publish so that people could search the information (it is all handwritten and there are no copies!). Now that I know how to publish, I am going to try and get this information in book format. It will take many volumes as the books are so big, but for genealogical buffs, this is a goldmine of information. Who knew you could publish to Amazon and Kindle so easily? Not me!

I also wanted to share with you my latest project for my Graphic History class. We had to create a poster based on Art Nouveau design. I started with this:

And ended with this!

This is no a real event, nor is it a real gallery, but I had a lot of fun designing this one in Photoshop and Illustrator.

So Today Has Not Been A Great Day But...

2012-01-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

It started out with the water pump for the well. It got down so cold last night it froze and I had no water this morning. I had already been told the water pump is bad and hopefully it will last for a few more months and I will get it replaced. Then, the furnace. Well, it is dead. So, I have a full tank of oil and no way to use it. Par for my life. So, I am just going electric and praying I can pay the huge bills every month.

Not all is bad - though it seems that way with this house. It is my money pit. Someday this will all be behind me. In the meantime, I had to go out to the store and hit the dump and look what I found! A creamy door with an old porcelain knob attached. Wheels are spinning. It is going to be my desk top someday. Just as it is and will inset the panels with glass or plexi-glass. Grab 2 file cabinets and Bob's your Uncle (He really is by the way.) How can I laugh, I have no clue. It's either that or cry. Pics of my Christmas dinner table and windows I had also found at the dump which I plan to hang down my hall - clean them up and use ribbon. I need 3 door knob hangers for them. I am on the lookout. When your budget is ZERO you get creative.

Eddie Ross at EddieRoss.com

2011-12-18T17:58:00.000-05:00

Seems he is everywhere and his ideas make me want to start again ... or complete the house whatever you want to call it. I really need a wood stove. The electric bill is terrible and I have heaters everywhere since the temps have dipped in the 5 degree mark. When the house hits 48 you know you need help. When your hands are frozen and every joint in your body hurts. Time to move on and the only way I can is to finish this house. I wandered across Eddie Ross' blog while searching for an idea for my old hutch. It is partially and terribly painted white when I got bored I quit. I just took a door off and even though I have no energy, I need ideas. Here are some great ideas from his blog. You can find it at eddieross.com and he is in ALL the magazines.

These tables are easy to find - Mom I am giving you ideas for those empty spaces you have. The mirror is hung on an old door knob with thick grosgrain ribbon. My mother even has a collection of glass paperweights. The stool I also like. Adds a bit of color. 2 brass candlesticks - if you don't have probably a buck each at a thrift store. 2 old books whitewashed and a potted plant in a white post. How easy? The dump has been dry of items lately only because the weather has been so bad. Winter is terrible for dump diving.

OK this before and after bedroom blows me away.

He did this for http://www.thenest.com/ another good site that you can look through for days and find good ideas. Well I am off to try and find ideas for the hutch and my bedroom which looks like hell. Going to ignore Christmas this year. Forget about it.

Photography

2011-12-03T18:30:00.000-05:00

I have been pretty involved in my photography and want to share some with you. It has been on and off cold here and of course I have good and bad days. I have not had much of a chance to work on the house, but hopefully that will change soon when I have funds to do so. Here are some photos.

Never ending story

2011-11-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

I have not posted in a week but I have not been doing nothing. I bought another round of wood for the floors and in between bad days, I was able to put some more floor down. The kitchen is about done except where the hutch and appliances are, and the dining and open area need only 4 small spot pieces and one longer board and it is done. I am sick today. I thought I would show you the hall which I did as well almost all the way done. The living room before pictures - you have to see it lol. The walls are a mess, but after I finish the kitchen and dining room that is where I am heading. It will be a long job between feeling crappy and trying to finish it, but all I have is time. Thanksgiving and Christmas loom alone so I will focus on the house. I am going to hit the thrift store on Thursday if I can so we will see if I find anything exciting. Bye for now - back to bed for me.

Near The Finish Line!

2011-11-05T13:29:00.000-04:00

I have about 1/4 of the walls left to paint and about 3/4 of the ceiling and the room will be done. I will be working on it tonight. Day time is pain time so I don't get much done and it's getting cold. I added some art last night to the wall but will post pictures when it is totally completed! Some of the snow - the afternoon after we got over a foot on October 29th - Crazy!

REMEMBER BEFORE????

What a big difference and a lot of work has gone into it ---

My Review of the Electric Logs

2011-10-28T11:53:00.001-04:00

Originally submitted at Kotula's

Ever wish that you could get rid of the smoky, ashy aspects of your wood-burning fireplace without losing its warmth and comforting ambient light? With this efficient electric log set, you can. Producing 4600 BTU, it is more than capable of effectively warming a 400 sq. ft. area thanks to the inclu...

What a Nice set of electric logs!

By Leslie from New Hampshire on 10/28/2011

Pros: Easy Installation, Simple Interface, Easily Understood Instructions, Attractive Design

Best Uses: Poor Air Quality, Dry Climates, Cold Climates, Warm Climates, Humid Climates, Bathroom

Describe Yourself: Homeowner

OK so I put it in the bathroom - I had other intentions, but I had a spot that I could make look like a small fireplace in a small bathroom. Now I don't have a bulky heater, I have a romantic heater that works well and heats us the bathroom and rooms beyond. I am very pleased with this purchase and love the effect of the flames. It has been working well for me and now that we had snow today, I look forward to it even more. Even when its not colc you can just use the flames and I love it.

In the bathroom!

Tags: Picture of Product, Using Product

Flames in the dark

Tags: Picture of Product, Using Product

(legalese)

Apples 4 and 5

2011-10-26T18:22:00.000-04:00

These are the last of the apples. I may just start a new blog with some object done 365 times differently. Not sure I could make 365 of one thing - hard enough to do 5. I like these. The 4th one is based on a tile and turned out well. I got a perfect A on it. The branches is the one for this week.

90% Complete in Dining Room

2011-10-20T15:20:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to show off some pics. Remember I have the ceiling and walls to paint, and then I will move the chair over in the corner and center the chandilier over the table and roll out my rug. That will be it! Check out my FREE dump find - the wicker telephone table. I picked up a little kerosene lantern for those winter days when I lose power. It is cute on the table with my flowers in the milk jug and may little fireplace going.

To The Dump To The Dump To The Dump Dump Dump

2011-10-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

It even pays to go on a Wednesday afternoon. I have been taking load after load and this is the first time in over 2 months I brought something home. How could I resist this and the little plate that matches all my white and off white things. This is such a cute piece of furniture!

Apple 3

2011-10-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

This one took forever but after seeing some other people did, I have a lot to learn! The second is called a spot illustration. I made the magnolia all in Illustrator. This one took me forever. It is from a 5 page poem I had to illustrate.

Flooring and Dining Room Almost Done

2011-10-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

It has been a bit since I posted. Not because I didn't do anything, I just wanted to save up. I have done more layers of drywall compound and trim paint and the dining room is almost finished. I just need to paint the walls and ceiling which will be the worst part. I found a lumber store that is half the price on wood so for about $100 I got 20 6 ft pieces instead of 10 along with the nails and spar varnish. I did 12 last night with spar varnish and just finished nailing the 12 down and doing a first coat on the other 8. Ok, this is what it looks like in the dining area and in front of the dining table is a space that opens to the living room. The hutch will move back there and it will be fairly wide open. I will use the remaining 8 boards and get the rest of the kitchen. The smaller wood around the cabinets I will have to meaure and probably have someone else cut them for me. Overall, excuse all my materials since I have not cleaned up yet -- it looks great to me!

I'm A Little Teapot

2011-10-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

The finished white teapot and the 2nd door for the kitchen cabinets - done. The view of the kitchen in transition but there is hope. Bamboo magizine holder I picker up at the dump for nothing :) now white.

THE APPLE WEEK 2

2011-10-05T22:34:00.000-04:00

I have improved after several classes in Adobe Illustrator and I like this green apple :)

The White Spray Paint Came Out

2011-10-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

I was thinking and that can be good or bad. I was not ready to tackle the trim and windows and wanted something I could do quick. So I sprayed another kitchen cabinet door white and then saw my blue teapot. In every magazine and design blog - white is the color for even your accessories. I bought this blue teapot years ago for maybe $4 at Roses in Blue Ridge, GA a store I miss!! It had the best deals. Anyway, out came the new double coat white spray paint. I am working on it now and my camera battery is charging so you will have to wait until tomorrow to see if it turned out or not lol.

Crate and Barrow has one similar to mine here - WHITE TEAPOT at $59 no kidding! This is it:

I used mine in a still life for school so I had some before pics:

Now we will just have to wait to see if I was able to make it chic or ruin it lol. I also painted my bamboo magazine holder I found at the thrift store awhile back so you will see that too. It is raining here again and wet so things are taking awhile to dry - we will see tomorrow! I think I saved myself $55 - who drinks tea anyway - it is just for decoration and I think it's going to look great.

People are SOO Creative

2011-10-02T20:13:00.000-04:00

I was wandering the blogosphere and came across this hose thing - lol - well you know what? I would so totally make one of these! Take an old rim from a tire, spray it the color of choice, attach it to your house and wrap your hose. Yep people blow me away. Now I will be looking for tire rims at the dump lol.

This is a blog from Australia and if you love design well worth browsing.

Yellowtrace

There is something about these umbrellas that really I find totally cool.

The Actress Tilda Swinton is so odd

I wanna look like this at her age - at any age lol

OK I had to add this just because it is the most awesome headboard - a ball gown found at Maison Moschino in Milan. If I ever get rich and I visit Milan - I am so staying in one of their rooms. Pick one. They are amazing!

120 Nails Later

2011-10-02T13:30:00.000-04:00

So I am not the best on the saw but I am learning! It is a bitch fitting pieces and I had someone at the hardware store cut some of the wood and it was crooked, but at least my floor will have character and my blood, sweat and tears. Yep all of those on those boards lol. A lot of tears and sweat trust me. Almost done in the dining area and the extra part that extends to the doorway of the living room. For the floor I have to carry it in the kitchen and down the hall. I have to have someone rip at least one side down the hall - I don't have the ability to do that one. Other than that, I think I have this. I have to remove the red door - it is set too low for the new floor. I am tired today. Yesterday sucked and all it did was rain, but I did a whole bunch on the floor. Every so often I would go in there and hammer some nails and it felt good and it looks good. I am proud of myself. Excuse the mess, I had to move a bunch of stuff out of the way - but this is my floor :)

Walls Are ALL Textured

2011-09-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

1 thing a day and today I finished the walls. Yes it is all drywall compound. I am going to give it a light sand and trust me - who needs the expensive plaster when this looks just the same. It will not be tinted, but paint will look great on it. I think I am still going with the cream just to keep it light in there. No more ugly panel and wallpaper. Next step is to finish the trim paint. Another day. I am tired. See that molding at the top of the window? I got that for a $1 at the Habitat For Humanity Shop a long time ago. It was yellow. I painted it white to match and I think it goes well and mimics the top of my chairs. I knew someday it would come in handy. $1 and adds a bit extra to the window. I am thrifty.

An Apple A Week

2011-09-27T19:59:00.000-04:00

I just thought I would share with you the apples that I have to make in Adobe Illustrator for the next umm 6 weeks I think in my Digital Illustration class. Apple number 1 - apples are good for you :)

Wood Stove? Not - Electric!

2011-09-27T16:00:00.000-04:00

Just got this in :)

Insomnia and Nerves = A Bathroom Fireplace

2011-09-25T23:16:00.000-04:00

OK so I bought this insert for a gas stove we have had forever that never got switched over to propane or returned. I tried taking the thing apart and even measured, but the insert just does not fit. I am thrilled with it and wanted somewhere to use it and I got an idea. It has heat and a fireplace and I had the perfect location. In the winter the bathroom can be cold as hell when we only use electric soooooooo..... the etigere was the perfect location for the romantic yet useful heat source. I usually put a heater in there in winter and it always takes up too much room. This one, you just switch on and it heats the room in a flash and you can even set the temp on it. I have an electrician coming soon and I am going to have him exchange both outlets in the bathroom to those safety ones never fear! How cool is this idea?

Before that, I was working on the walls again. Almost done! I just have the bottom part and a small part by the bookshelf and the texturing is done. A light sand, another layer of white on the window and door frame to the storeroom. (Yes I know I have the ceiling, but I am trying to ignore that for now). So, hopefully I sleep tonight and if I don't I have no idea what else to do.

More Cleaning

2011-09-25T17:05:00.000-04:00

Now you can see the corner of the dining room that I need to finish texturing and a long range view of how the floor is gonna look. Wish I was Samantha from Bewitched and I could magically have it done. It takes a lot of work just doing what I have done today. The red door is from Mom and Dad's old house and is possibly from 1820 - the date of the house. Lucky I got it before they sold the house. The other side is wood and it has the old type of doorbell on it. When I sell this house I am taking it with me. Anyway, lots of dog hair later and 4 boxes for the thrift store I am proud of myself.

Floor Looking Good - Solid Pine and I hate Laminate

2011-09-25T13:08:00.000-04:00

The song I created for this is much too vulgar to post, but it helped. I know that I will be paying for this work for days in fibro pain, but it looks pretty darn good to me. I ran out of wood :( And who knew I have to have a new electric line run to my house because of my neighbor. Anyway, I took a lot of agression out on a lot of heads when I was driving my nails.

Black & White

2011-09-22T22:39:00.000-04:00

This has been a rough couple of weeks with things going up and down, 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I can't say what the future holds for me. All I can do is what I can do and that is move on one foot in front of the other. I got shot down on 2 things this week and feeling a little bruised, so I decided to do some painting and test out the cabinets that I wanted to cover in the lovely contact paper I bought. Not just any contact paper, it is a bit higher costing, but totally worth the price I think. You can see the before and after. I have only painted the door and not the cabinets themselves so take that into consideration. They will be just as white as the door. I am working on the 2nd one now, I have 4 of them. Then I will put it in the area in the open shelves behind the dishes and things. I am so in love with this and it just makes the kitchen perk into the modern world. How can you go wrong with black and white? I will also be working off my restaurant ware collection and my bottles and my blue and white willow china. English cottage with a twist. The great thing about this paper - if you get tired of it or want a new design it's so easy to remove and also easy to clean, but gives you such a big bang for the buck.

I am in love with this modern yet retro pattern. Yay Contact Paper! It's about time they came out with fabulous papers and do a search - you will be amazed at how in style they are now. Gives such personality to what will be a white kitchen. I will have to buy another roll for the inside.

You can see the before in the cabinet above this one. Who wants to see your food? So messy even though I cleaned them all out. The before before was even worse. It was contact paper from the 80's and blue cabinets and light blue contact paper. You remember the pink and blue from the 80's? What were people thinking? I never ever liked it and totally skipped that style - no teddy bears and country hearts lol. Yuck.

This is a before door. It was made in 1967 with really thin glass and thin possibly metal? The original 1967 colors where early american aged brass and dark browns and I think the wallpaper in the kitchen even had brown teapots and cups lol. I guess the pink and blue was an improvement. White is timeless and easy to paint over and clean. If you hate the pattern of the contact paper - use another one. They are endless!

A Bit Of This and That

2011-09-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

The living room - remember I still have to do the walls,

ceiling and floors, but the furniture is pretty much done

thanks to M & D and some hunting.

Table I found at the dump. All it needs is a bit

more sanding and some stain and it is

unique and perfect for the center of the sectional.

What a steal - cost me nothing! Love that!

Ok the floor is going down slowly. The color difference is over 3 years of aging so the

new boards I will put down will change over time - spar varnish does the trick. This is rough on me to do

and hurts me like hell, but it will look good. I have 8 more boards in the car to varnish and

put down. Then I will get another load.

I have been going through a rough time lately - pain wise. I haven't been able to accomplish as much as I want to, but that is the life of having the issues that I do. I wanted to share some updated pics with you showing to how some of it is coming along. I have everything pulled out of the kitchen so I can do the cabinets and start on the Nutrisystem diet next week. I am not looking forward to it, but will keep you posted on how it goes. I have already lost 12 pounds and 1 size without it so fingers crossed I will lose 2 more sizes and that is all I need. The weather change - we have frost warnings and it is killing me, but time to take out the air conditioner and pull out the heaters. I am waiting for my electric fire, hoping it fits in the carcass of my gas stove. I measured and if it works it will look great. Fingers crossed. The yard is all clean now thanks to the generosity of my parents, and all I have been doing is cleaning, throwing away and organizing when I can. By spring this will be the best I can do and hopefully someone will snatch it up. I am really tired now so see you later with my next update :)

WHITE WHITE WHITE

2011-09-11T19:51:00.000-04:00

Before it was a cornflower yellow and dingy

Wall 2 - and 2nd coat on book shelf -- amazing how it makes that small hole of a room brighten up. Also did a couple of the pine boards for the floor. It will take a bit to get it to match age wise but my drill is charging and I can start getting the boards down tomorrow. 2 at a time - spar varnish 4 layers then down. I have 10 - will grab 10 more next time I hit home depot or I will have them delivered. It is a lot of heavy lifting I just can't do. Everything wears me out and hurts but I have to keep doing this. Pretty soon the inside will match the snow outside - :) :( I need a new fireplace stove -- I am thinking of taking it cheap and getting electric. I cannot afford to install a wood one and you need permits and all that stuff so cost wise no way unless a rich uncle kicks over - oh - I don't have any rich uncles lol.

From Brass To Class

2011-09-08T19:13:00.000-04:00

BEFORE

I did not like the finish of the standing lamp and was even thinking of taking it to Goodwill, but it works great in the corner of the dining room since I have no ceiling fixture except the candles. Works next to a reading chair as well. So I used that new paint that covers in one coat in white and it does cover in one coat - just make sure you give it a longer drying time. Made a major difference in the lamp and now I think the chair is next. It will have to wait for a sunny day though which here in NH are few and far between. I have done a lot of cleaning and chucking out and lots for Goodwill, but rainy days tend to get you down when they come day after day. We are supposed to have sun tomorrow - let's hope so!

Shelves in White Coat 1

2011-09-04T16:36:00.000-04:00

I have so much to paint, texture, fix -- if I keel over from doing all this I hope someone comes and saves me. I painted the shelving that was pine and it looks so good. 1 coat and already the room is getting brighter.

BEFORE

1 Coat

So much better - ignore the mess, that is just all my tools and things on the table.

Ordered some more paper to line the kitchen cabinets today, along with my very own drill with 20 bits. I am excited since I have always used someone elses, this will be mine. And it is OK to be alone and do projects. What I can't do - I will hire someone. But damned if I am not going to try. I promised this house will be on the market next Spring and I am sticking to that deadline come hell or high water :)

1 Wall Down 2 To Go

2011-09-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

What do you do Labor Day Weekend? Clean, work and do homework. I have one wall covered and waiting for it to dry. 2 walls left and then some sanding and touch up and then paint. The difference when you walk from the kitchen and see that wall is well worth the effort, wore me out and I am in pain, but I feel I accomplished something. I can get the 2 walls done by Monday night I know.

The other pics are the contact paper I think I will be lining the back of the open kitchen cabinets with. I need another roll but I think it will give it some contrast and make it pop the dishes and things.

WALL IN PROGRESS

PAPER BEHIND OPEN CABINETS IN KITCHEN

WALL IN PROGRESS

FINISHED WALL

FANCY CONTACT PAPER VERY FRENCH COUNTRY SHABBY CHIC

FINISHED WALL - NEXT WALL IS THE WINDOW WALL

Everything will be trimmed out in white and the pine shelves will go white and clean

The Dining Room In Progress

2011-09-03T19:12:00.000-04:00

This seemed to be the easiest room to begin with since the floor is finished in pine like I want the whole house. The walls are terrible and have to be textured and by the time I am through it will look like an old English cottage. It takes a lot of dry wall compound, sanding and painting, but I have a long winter so I started today. I wanted to share the before so that the after will be a big surprise. The dumpster is here in the yard and I can't wait for the yard to be spic and span. I have been cleaning inside as well. Today the temp was a bit hot so not much could be done outside for me.

Finally Got The Chandelier Up NO MOPING FOR ME!!!!

2011-08-13T17:35:00.000-04:00

The chandelier is up and over the table now - did that today. No sitting around moping for me! I also made these flowers out of???? :)

The PATIO and my LOVELY PAPER FLOWER Wreath

2011-07-05T14:15:00.000-04:00

These are some pictures of Scott working on the patio. We also planted some climbing Hydrangas and some other plants as well. This is going to be really nice. I also made this wreath from a wreath kit - of course I did not follow the directions and added my flowers made from coffee filters haha no kidding. Total cost at Goodwill $1.99. It is my favorite one that I have made so far. Oh and a picture of the chandelier in the bedroom finished :)

FREEEEEEE SCREEN DOOR no KIDDING!

2011-06-29T15:53:00.000-04:00

OK so for weeks I have been talking about buying a screen door for my back bedroom door so I can open it at night without the bugs getting in. I almost bought one a couple of days ago, but I just was too hot and could not take walking around Lowes or Home Depot. Well, even though I do not feel good this afternoon was dump day and I knew I had to get some stuff to the trash and go by the Post Office. So I took the trash and looked at the pile of stuff and was leaving when I saw this leaning against one of the buildings!!! It is in perfect condition, no cracks, tears or anything! Solid and already pre-painted. I have a $27 credit at Lowes due to their error so I can buy hardware and this screen door will cost nothing! What a lucky dump day!

Sweet Moss Covered Speckled Egg Bird Nest Wreath

2011-06-28T15:14:00.000-04:00

I just finished this today and I think it is so cute - it is on sale in my Etsy shop for $20 and comes with the over the door flocked velvet hanger for use indoors. Would look great on a guestroom, bathroom or bedroom door. Natural moss, small magnolia like blossoms, speckled eggs, bird, and dried lavender - too cute!

She Sells Sea Shells Shabby Chic Seaside Wreath

2011-06-26T14:40:00.000-04:00

OK I changed this one out and added tulle which I think makes it look softer and a lovely look for a shabby chic home or a seaside cottage. On sale now at my Etsy shop :).

She Sells Sea Shells...

2011-06-23T19:07:00.000-04:00

I started this wreath with all the shells I got from the Dollar Store and Michaels for about $5.00 total and I have a bunch left. The wreath form was about $1.29 and a bunch of glue sticks - oh and 50 cents for the ribbon. So about cost total $5.00. I am still working on it and boy the glue gun burns hurt like hell. Another layer and I think it will be done.

Fun With Photoshop

2011-06-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

I am just learning new skills and there are some major things I still don't know - but here is a fun one I did just messing around - "Vacation In My Head" by me and subject to copyright.

Final Paint Job on Candle Chandelier

2011-06-19T18:59:00.000-04:00

BEFORE

AFTERS

The candles need some candle stuff to keep them straight, but it turned out great. More than I hoped for. Wait till it is hanging and the crystals are on it :) Crystals coming in about 10 days or so and I will show you the final project once they are attached.

Candle Chandelier - Redo From Old Fixture

2011-06-19T17:16:00.000-04:00

Ignore the mess - I just brought them in and have not rearranged yet but the chairs are perfect :) They are a a light sage green and the deco cut is cool - what a deal huh? $30 for all 4.

I got a free fixture from Mom and it was rusty dusty and pretty ugly. Style fake old historic home. I removed the electric stuff and first coat of white paint on it. It will be going over the dining room table with my new/old chairs I picked up. Candles - $5 at Michaels, Chandelier - Free, Spray Paint. I ordered some crystals for it - $8 - Total cost about $15 counting the paint. Wait until you see the final result. :)

New Chairs!

2011-06-17T13:16:00.000-04:00

One of my chairs got ruined - no finger pointing but it got left out in the rain and the veneer peeled off so there is no saving it. I was on the lookout and found some perfect painted art deo chairs on Craigs List. $30 for all 4!!!!! I can pick them up tomorrow to go with this table - remember it?

These are the chairs - a blue sagey color - perfect and the shape is pure art deco.

How cute will these look all together! Another ride down to Manchester but well worth it. OK I have that light chandelier that I can paint white and add candles to since there is no connection in the area. I have that damn recliner I cannot move that needs to be set out with a free sign and I will get rid of aa few chairs. One or two I want to save for the last bedroom where I want a bunk bed set so more people can sleep if we plan to rent this seasonally.

Projects and Finds at the Goodwill

2011-06-16T12:13:00.000-04:00

I did not spend a lot yesterday, but when I saw this rug I had to get it. It is very similar to the one Tyger ruined over the winter and the cost - woohoo only $14.99 less 10%. Then for outdoors I found this cool wrough iron thingee for $2.99 what a deal. I am working on the patios and purchased last week the pavers and also the plants. I bought Wisteria to climb the arbor on either side and then some more Hostas and some other plants for the plant area. 2 new chairs from Lowes. I am working on the design of the pavers at the moment and it is not exact yet - I think this is the design I will stick with. This is the first day in 6 days it has not rained or been 50 - 60 degrees. Today it is 80 and a bit too hot so I will go out later and maybe work some more.

Another problem I have is the barber chair. I was thinking this fabric would give it a cool twist. The only thing I would need to paint is the lower portion to match the chrome. What do you think? I would have to take it apart to cover it but I think I can do as a no sew project. Oh and I took out a huge bag of clothes and cleaned my closet - amazing haha.

"The Book Pear" Shabby Chic Bookened Decor Completed!

2011-05-07T15:53:00.000-04:00

The book pear is perfect. Looks great in the back room with the blue and white :) On to Etsy it goes for $12.50 plus $8.00 for shipping. Will post a link when I list it.

"The Book Pear" Shabby Chic Bookend Decor

2011-05-07T13:50:00.000-04:00

This is something I came up with after seeing the pear done on a blog but of course I had to add my own twist to it. This would make a great gift for that shabby chic friend who loves books and all white with a bit of nature thrown in. Here are the steps I took to make it. The final project picture coming soon and will be my first offering on my very own Etsy page :)

The Book Wreath Ala Me

2011-05-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

I know if you look in all the craft blogs and Etsy you can find the book wreath. Finally, I had a chance to make one. Mine is a bit different as I added some found objects as well. Total cost: $2.00 possibly counting the glue sticks and the $1.00 Crow my Mom found at the Dollar store. I had a book that I received for free. I would never tear up a book, but this one was about computer theft of data or something and I knew I would not be reading it. The form was a free circle of cardboard I cut out. I first created bunches of rolled pages. You get the hang of it once you get going. I stapled several of these in bunches and then started to glue then down. The back is covered in book pages torn up with mod podge so it even looks good from the back. I added some twigs I found the the yard, some lavender twigs I had as well. So overall counting glue, staples and a few lavender sprigs - about $2.00, They are selling for anywhere from $40 - $80 for this size not only on Etsy but on shop web sites. It took me about 4 hours all together, but I think the end result is great, don't you? I think I will try this one next! http://lizzyford.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-pages-wreath.html - In case you wanted to see them on Etsy for sale here is one not so complicated as mine - search book pages wreath and you will see them all. http://www.etsy.com/listing/66147354/vintage-book-pages-wreath-french

I Am Back!! It's All About Art!

2011-04-25T21:10:00.000-04:00

Life has been pretty hectic. I am now back in school seeking a degree in Graphic Arts. It has been fun. I was also working for awhile but it got to much for me and winter has been a killer! I will be posting more things as I do them. Right now I wanted to share a few things I have done with you lately. I also found a new chair at the dump I will post soon once I begin working on it... umm actually I found 2 lol. One is a barber chair - what the heck I am gonna do with that I have no clue. But, we will see!

$25,000 DIY Giveway

2010-12-18T18:15:00.000-05:00

Enter daily for a chance to win $25,000
http://www.diynetwork.com/cool-tools-holiday-blitz-giveaway/package/index.html?nl=DIY-NL_CTool2010-PC2_Enter

Christmas Tree and Goodwill Shopping

2010-12-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I have tons of Christmas decorations - up in the attic. But since my husband is deployed I did not want to go up there and drag through them all to see what I wanted. So I thought lets see what I can do with an entirely decorated tree ala Goodwill. I bought the tree for $48 at Walmart and had it shipped to me with lights included. The cost of all the decorations was about $30 but I only put on about $20 worth so here is my Goodwill Christmas Tree. What a deal huh. Yes Christmas can be inexpensive and pretty to boot. My favorite finds are the beaded stars, the acorns and pine cones and the filled balls - they look like Easter grass inside but with the lights shining on them they are really pretty. You never know what you can find at Goodwill.

I have been dump hunting and have found a nice chair and a table that has a top you can remove with glass - circa maybe 40's in good shape. Gave that to my Mom.

Thrift Store Finds

2010-10-27T21:59:00.000-04:00

Got my hair done today and decided to hit the thrift store and we found some good things. A rug and a vase with ferns that look pretty real for fake greenery - I am not too much for fake stuff unless it looks pretty real. The dollar store raven and also the bird painting I picked up for $5 at the thrift store.

Dump Diving Again!

2010-10-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

I have not posted in awhile as I have not felt really good so home projects have been nil. I had to get out today and go to the dump and Sunday usually is the best day even though it was raining. I picked up this chair worth probably about $50 solid as a rock and not a thing wrong with it - perfect for the glass table in my bedroom - always makes you feel good. A man was there and was about to reach for it but I got it first YAY!! I know he was cussing me lol. Good day at the dump!

Bedrooms and Living Room

2010-10-08T20:58:00.000-04:00

Lately I have not been feeling so good but I have done a few things. The big black armiore that I need to finish painting had to be moved to the other side of the room. It is at the end of the bedroom where the outside (hopefully one day french doors) door is and I have this glass table I wanted to use for sitting area in the bedroom. Laptop use, doing a puzzle, you know stuff like that. Until I have a covered porch/deck this is how I have it. Ignore all the work that needs to be done lol. I have chairs upstairs I can paint and cushion so this will be a nice area when the room is done. I also picked up some fake berries to add to my feathers for about $2.00 and a couple of new $12 shades for the living room - much better!! I hope to have more energy to start the hard work soon. Back to work on the hutch, more painting - but at least I am keeping up on the laundry and I have to hit the dump tomorrow - maybe there will be some goodies - gives me a little inspiration to take the trash ahaha.

Bedroom and Dining Area

2010-09-22T16:33:00.000-04:00

This is the bedding that I got for my birthday. It has some blues and greens maybe a silvery color in it so I think I will go with a color that matches not sure what color yet for the bed cubby and then a contrasting color in the rest of the room. Fall is coming and this is Lily. Also a pic of the area in the dining with the vintage Leslie's Illustrated in a shadow box - just kinda stuck those in there will have to make them so I can rotate have 3 or 4 in there. Don't tell but I went over the wire for the creamy white lamp hahaha - my finial and shade but the lamp is a good color so I had to grab it lol. Close up of the living room vase I picked up for umm $3 at the thrift store - what is that inside - I know you will never guess hahaha it is the feather piece from my daughter's band hat - perfect yes? Not feeling so good today going back to bed.

The Living Room

2010-09-20T16:25:00.000-04:00

I have a lot to do with the walls and painting, but so far pleased with the overall look. Deciding on paint color. Also want to do the ceiling in a grid pattern of wood so will be interesting. Here are some pics so far. Most of the stuff I have picked up at the thrift store, been given or hit the dump or a yard sale. The only things I paid full price for - the 2 lamps and the rug. Crazy huh?

The Hutch That Was

2010-09-16T17:46:00.000-04:00

Working on the hutch now - I have been dying to paint it white forver and it will take awhile since its a big thing but I collect restaurant ware and Frankoma pottery and have more in the attic. Once done will look great and match the white table perfectly. I hate painting but like the end results.

Old Door as a Headboard

2010-09-16T13:32:00.001-04:00

I have 2 old doors that will work - found this on HGTV website
http://www.hgtv.com/video/old-door-headboard-video/index.html

Some Dump Diving

2010-09-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

Since I was a little down in the dumps and had to go to the dump anyway - there was a nice big school chalkboard that the car in front of me grabbed which made me mad since they didn't even dump any trash!!!! I wanted it. Instead i picked up a 60's era side table for the living room in perfect condition just needs a little clean up - funny thing was I needed one! and there it was and perfect! and free :)

The Time Has Come

2010-09-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

And the deployment is real now. I left Scott at the hotel and the year begins. What will the year bring? I am hopeful that as he does the things he needs to do, I will too in lots of ways. I will work on myself and the house and this blog will follow me along. A few things - I plan on losing all this weight that makes me feel terrible, come to grips with my fibromyalgia and all the other issues that come along with it and enrich and educate myself this year ahead. I will not stagnate and I will make changes both in the house and in myself. So... day 1 of the deployment and I am here with the "girls", tired, lonesome but know in my mind what needs to be done. Maybe that will work... of course it will! So keep an eye out and watch as more changes come and go in the year ahead.

Pictures from the Last 2 Weeks to Today

2010-09-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

The time is almost here and Scott is doing as much as he can - things he knows I just cannot do. Now we have an actual living room and bedroom seperate and the bathroom with a few touch ups is almost done. I know I have my work cut out for me but hey, a year on deployment and I can get it all done right? So here we go pictures in process up thru today!

The Bedroom Walls

2010-08-24T19:26:00.000-04:00

The walls are coming down to make way for new ones. Here is some pics of the process. Last 2 pictures are the new hall light and a picture of the old door that will become my headboard someday :)

BEFORE and AFTER BATHROOM

2010-08-21T17:12:00.000-04:00

I lost all the before pictures - the before before with the flooring and the horrible shower all and wallpaper and grunginess - the difference is just amazing. Beginning to have a bathroom you feel good being in and want to take a bath in - all on a very slim budget. Max spent - we purchased the faucets so thats about $110.00 for both. The adhesive and grout about $50, the wood about $100, paint about $20.00, my decor - the furniture cost nothing as they are ALL found object and Scott made the sink cabinet. I made the etegere. Everything else was thrift store scavanged and the towels picked up months ago for about $10 for all of them at Job Lots :) $2.00 for the shower curtains - I have several to change out that match. Tile - $30 plus free so total cost maybe $380 including the new toilet - what a deal.

The Bathroom Continues once more

2010-08-20T18:11:00.000-04:00

Seems like it is never ending and every little change takes forever. We have some bits left and have to finish up tiling the shower and some more trim, but here is a look at what we have done.

ANOTHER Good Dump Pick :)

2010-08-11T16:23:00.000-04:00

OK I have to edit every picture and they are still not that good, but until I get a new camera this is what I am giving ya. This was a circa 1950's solid bambo magazine holder I found today at the dump - gotta LOVE the dump always makes me feel good lol

My Camera Is Dying

2010-08-07T20:48:00.000-04:00

It is very sad. I have had this camera forever and now every picture I take is green. I had to modify this one just to get a semi-good picture. This is not even very good becasue of the shine - but this is a big framed pastel and acrylic I finished that I think will go in the dining room or bedroom. It is from a vintage bird print. Wish you could see it better. I have been sick and have not gotten much done. Just no energy - but I did this one real quick. I like it.

Purple Front Door

2010-07-26T19:58:00.000-04:00

I finished off the 2nd chair. Don't feel like doing anything else right now but I have to work so thats what I will be doing I guess. Not feeling so well but have tons to do. Painted the front door purple - just kidding checking to see if anyone is reading.

Finds!

2010-07-24T19:59:00.000-04:00

I hit the dump on a good day - 2 chairs and a mirror! - A little clean-up and a new fabric for the seat cushions and they work perfect for the newly painted table. I have 2 more that need new fabric and are regular wood so no matchy matchy. I am too tired and hot to do any more tonight.

The Table with Linen White By Behr

2010-07-23T21:47:00.000-04:00

I decided to use Linen White instead of the Ultra White I have been using to give it more of a vintage softer look. All that is left is a coat of poly on the top to protect the finish or I may use some beeswax instead and buff it. Turned out perfect.

No Mom You Can't Have It Back

2010-07-23T17:31:00.000-04:00

It was ugly and so 70's but now after 2 laters of primer on the top and a pain in the &^* area in center - 1 layer of primer there. I am letting it cure again and will paint it white. Let that cure and then a couple of layers of poly. Who knew this table could like so good? I have 2 leaves but will do those later since the areas it will be in is too small right now but if need be it can fit more people. For now - it is looking good! I am thinking of clip on chandiler shades instead of globes for the light - I don't like the globes so will have to be on the lookout.

I Must Have ADD or is it because I am a Gemini?

2010-07-22T20:21:00.000-04:00

Anyway, I have to test this table out to see if it is going to hold paint so I slapped a layer of primer on the top and am going to let it sit overnight to see if it will scratch off easily. If it doesn't - It will be white with some poly on top and better than new. BTW this is no antique - its a table from the 70's with a really bad early American fake finish on top - just so you know I am not desecrating my furniture lol. Fingers crossed.

Apothecary Jars and Sheets

2010-07-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

These are apothecary jars :) from Imperial Glass - the center one is the exact match to the one I have. I found these on Ebay for the set $235.00 right here no kidding!

This is my find!

I have been searching the thrift stores for months for apothecary jars and I found one yesterday for $6.00 and it's quite big! You find them in all the magazines and they are expensive in this size online like here on Ebay. I need to finish that bathroom! I also found this metal and wood vase for $4.99 originally $13.00 at Home Goods. Will use it in the living room. Then some more milk glass ideas I may or may not use in the bathroom. Finally, for my birthday last month I ordered 1000 thread count sheets from either HSN or QVC I forgot which and I am just now pulling them out. They are awesome! What I like about this set it comes with 4 pillow cases and the feeling is so soft and rich - they are a creamy off white and I just love them. May do more later but here are some pics.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

2010-07-19T23:20:00.000-04:00

I live where there are no streetlights or traffic. Smack dab in the middle of the woods and no, I wouldn't go out any further to take pictures of the new solar lights I got. There were all kinds of noises, big sounds in the woods after a big fast storm we had. I'm not crazy. I lined the path and in the front of the fence with them and am pleased to say they look pretty at night like stars on the ground. Highly recommend them. Just have to remember to pull them out before they get covered with many feet of snow lol. I got an apothocary jar for $6 what a deal! I have been hunting one for ages and would not pay the $40 for one at Home Goods. Patience pays off pictures later on that one. Hard to get night pictures but they glow like a star pattern on the ground very pretty and just think no batteries only sunlight.

Incredible Shrinking Doorway

2010-07-18T21:17:00.000-04:00

This was a double doorway into a weird room and now it is a single doorway. It is the interior of the living room. Since the walls are problem walls, I am going to texture them all over. The first coat sheetrock compound, then some detail sanding all around the room. Then some new molding and paint. I have a long way to go in here as well. One little thing at a time. I finished the sanding and second coat of compound in the hallway and it is one wall ready to go.

Frosted Glass and Sheetrock Walls

2010-07-17T15:34:00.000-04:00

I worked a little on the wall trying to tape the sheetrock, finish out the corner and doing what you are supposed to with the compound. A little more and then I will sand, do another coat and it will be finished. It is a long hall - have to think about what will look well on it. I say three large framed watercolors or pastels all in matching frames. Ones that I have done. I also am working in the Kitchen and frosted the door that leads out the the mudroom. Painted it one coat of white needs more of course but the frosted glass turned out well. A secret is that you have to do both sides of the glass or it looks blotchy no matter how many coats you do. I really did not want to see the mud room from the kitchen right now (the door will go away once we have connected the sunroom) but until next year I don't have to look out into the cold ugly room. Also here is the 2 paint samples I got - full gallons $2 each - one is a nice soothing green and the other a deeper tan. Not sure where to use but I like the deeper tan in the living room - seems to be neutral and match what I have. The green - I am thinking maybe what little wall I have in the kitchen and the laundry. I can always throw some white in and lighten it up some and match it at HD if I need more. Anyway, tired but I can't focus on one thing right now. So, I guess all these projects I can flip back and forth to and get them finished. Maybe. Who knows. I need a shower and I cut my hair because I got hot. I am going to hit the dye bottle soon haha. On to Gosford Park.

Lovely Silver

2010-07-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

Just can't sit around and do nothing and the silver paint I picked up - perfecto! - letting them dry now.

Habitat For Humanity Re-Use It Store - Dover NH

2010-07-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

Just got another car and decided to take a ride to Dover and check out the store which you can find info about here. It has tons of stuff - door, windows, granite, tiles, paint, cabinets and these are the things that I bought at a total cost of $12.00! :) The lighting fixture will go over my dining table and be painted a silver color - it works and has all the pieces - all the lighting fixtures were 1/2 price today! I got a couple of ballisters, some trim for over one of my windows - possible dining or kitchen and a curtain rod. I also go 2 gallon cans of paint not sure where I will use depends on what it looks like when I open them but I got a celery color that I think I can tone to a lighter color and use in the kitchen. So I picked up the spray paint, the sheetrock tape and stuff to use -- I will be busy this month. It was so hot though and I couldn't buy anything big by myself - a little anxiety hit me and I got worried but I made it home safe and sound. Next time I won't go alone - I know there are french doors that are calling my name!

Scrap The Tile and The Living Room

2010-07-13T21:39:00.000-04:00

Well the bathroom tile just didn't work so we started all over again on the floor - ripped out the shower surround YAY! though hard with the plumbing down now. Anyway here are some things I picked up all together for the living room. I picked up the glass table for $14.99 at Goodwill and will either use in the living room with 2 chairs or the bedroom. The curtain panels are there and pretty much everything I picked up at the thrift store. The sofa included for $150.00. I don't exactly have a living room back yet haha but these are the things that I am using along with the pain from Martha Stewart. Also, here is the bedroom curtain panels with the paint again a Martha Stewart color - the bedroom is about 1/4 of the way sheetrocked and tons left to do but oh well, the ideas are here and I like them. After one of the most stressful few days in my life sometimes its nice to sooth yourself in color.

Hot Days Of Summer

2010-07-07T16:57:00.000-04:00

I didn't get to the rest of the tile as I had hoped today I was too tired but I didn't rest. I got up about 6 AM and got all my SL stuff done and worked a little on the bathroom door - painted it and painted a brass hook I had (free) to match the platinum. I also hung my bathing beauties and mirror to see how its going to look in there and I am pleased. My $2.99 shower curtain looks great in there and I am most impressed with the ceiling. It looks brand new and clean. Why didn't I do that a long time ago! Tomorrow on to the rest of the tile and then on Friday I hope to grout. Right now its the hottest part of the day so now I rest! But here is a look so far.

The Bathroom Continues

2010-07-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

I am worn out and it is the hottest day all summer. The bathroom floor is almost completely tiled except the toilet area which I will work on tomorrow and the entire room has been painted. (The first picture is the ceiling and it makes a huge difference now that it is finished). All that is left is some touch up paint and the trim work. Tomorrow I will get a new toilet (oh boy!!) and finish painting behind it, tile and grout. Over the weekend hopefully can get the trim done. Then it is finished until I can tile the bath surround. I am worn out!

Walls

2010-07-04T19:14:00.000-04:00

These are the walls going up and the hutch has now been moved to the end of the kitchen. To the left of the hutch the new hallway and further left will be the dining area. To the right of the hutch is the living room. The empty area you see in last picture will be part of the new master bedroom. Confusing I know :)